Pregnancy Support Services Definition
Purpose
Individuals who participate in Pregnancy Support Services learn about parenthood, make informed decisions about their pregnancies, stay healthy, and pursue their educational and vocational goals.Definition
Currently viewing: PREGNANCY SUPPORT SERVICES
VIEW THE STANDARDS
Note:Agencies providing only Pregnancy Options Counseling or Birth Options Counseling will complete: PA-PS 1, PA-PS 2, PA-PS 3, PA-PS 4, and PA-PS 5.
Note:Please see PA-PS Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.
Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the PS Crosswalk.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 1.01
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, agency, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in service recipients); and
- expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system.
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments;
- risks assessments conducted for specific interventions; and
- the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
PA-PS 1.02
- change in clinical status;
- change in functional status;
- health, welfare, and safety;
- permanency of life situation;
- quality of life;
- achievement of individual service goals; and
- other outcomes as appropriate to the program or service population.
Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PA-PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes.
Examples: The decisions pregnant individuals make during service delivery may impact the outcomes they can be expected to achieve. For example, individuals who choose to parent their children may use parent education services and, as a result, be better prepared to raise their children. Individuals who decide to plan for adoption may experience satisfaction with their decision as an outcome of service. Other desired outcomes, such as improved health and increased educational attainment, may be relevant regardless of the decisions made about the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 2: Personnel
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 2.01
- an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field and related experience; or
- a bachelor’s degree in social work or a comparable human service field and related experience, with supervision by a person with an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field.
- experience in pregnancy counseling;
- experience in family and children’s services and training in pregnancy counseling; or
- experience in counseling and training in pregnancy counseling.
PA-PS 2.02
- an advanced degree in education or a comparable human service field; or
- a bachelor’s degree in education or a comparable human service field and two years’ related experience.
PA-PS 2.03
- counseling and/or supporting individuals who are pregnant and their family members and significant others, including birth fathers;
- providing education on topics related to individual functioning, maternal health, and child rearing; and
- linking individuals to, and collaborating with, healthcare providers.
PA-PS 2.04
- engaging and motivating group members;
- understanding group dynamics;
- leading discussions;
- facilitating group activities; and
- promoting respectful interactions.
PA-PS 2.05
- assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
- avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
PA-PS 2.06
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
- the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 3: Intake and Assessment
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 3.01
- collaborates with other providers, or conducts community outreach, to reach individuals potentially in need of service; and
- ensures that its outreach efforts and materials provide an accurate description of the services offered.
PA-PS 3.02
- how well their request matches the agency's services; and
- what services will be available and when.
PA-PS 3.03
- gather information necessary to identify critical service needs and/or determine when a more intensive service is necessary;
- give priority to urgent needs and emergency situations;
- support timely initiation of services; and
- provide for referral to appropriate resources when individuals cannot be served or cannot be served promptly.
PA-PS 3.04
- completed within established timeframes;
- updated as needed based on the needs of persons served; and
- focused on information pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.
Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 4: Service Planning and Monitoring
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 4.01
- agreed upon goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
- services and supports to be provided, and by whom;
- procedures for expedited service planning when crisis or urgent need is identified; and
- the individual’s signature.
PA-PS 4.02
- pregnant individuals are helped to explore the potential benefits and any concerns about involving family members and significant others, including the birth father, in service planning and provision; and
- family members and significant others, including the birth father, are involved in service planning and provision, when appropriate.
PA-PS 4.03
- assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other agency has assumed that responsibility;
- ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
- assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
- mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
PA-PS 4.04
- service plan implementation;
- progress toward achieving service goals and desired outcomes; and
- the continuing appropriateness of the agreed upon service goals.
When experienced workers are conducting reviews of their own cases, the worker’s supervisor must review a sample of the worker’s evaluations as per the requirements of the standard.
PA-PS 4.05
- review progress toward achievement of agreed upon service goals; and
- sign revisions to service goals and plans.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 5: Pregnancy Options Counseling/Birth Options Counseling
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 5.01
When an agency offers only Birth Options Counseling, and thus does not provide counseling and information related to termination, the agency should:
- disclose this fact to service recipients, as referenced in PA-PS 3.01 and CA-PS 3.02; and
- be prepared to demonstrate that it carefully considered its mission, capacity, resources, influence on the individual’s decision making, and community’s needs when it decided not to provide counseling on all alternatives for pregnancy resolution.
PA-PS 5.02
PA-PS 5.03
- all parties have opportunities to explore their individual feelings and needs; and
- confidentiality is protected at all times, if parties are counseled separately.
PA-PS 5.04
- responsibilities associated with parenting;
- child care;
- living arrangements;
- costs associated with raising a child;
- how parenting will impact the expectant parents’ goals and plans for the future;
- whether family members or friends will be willing to help the expectant parents;
- the role that the birth father will play; and
- single parenting or the possibility of marriage.
PA-PS 5.05
- types of available adoption and guardianship services, and the range of openness in adoption;
- parents’ legal rights and the rights termination process;
- financial assistance that may be available;
- separation from the child, and grief and loss;
- long-term implications of the decision; and
- making plans for the immediate future.
PA-PS 5.06
- attitudes toward pregnancy termination, including personal religious beliefs;
- emotional issues related to grief and loss, and the finality of the decision;
- types of procedures available;
- costs of the procedure; and
- legal issues for minors (such as parental notification, parental consent, and judicial bypass), if applicable.
PA-PS 5.07
PA-PS 5.08
- provides information and education about the prevention and treatment of diseases, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases;
- provides information and education about pregnancy prevention, pregnancy planning, and the spacing of children; and
- links individuals to family planning services.
Note: When an agency also provides Health Services to expectant parents, the implementation and rating of this standard may overlap with the implementation and rating of PA-PS 6.04.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 6: Health Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 6.01
- prenatal health care;
- genetic risk identification and counseling services;
- labor and delivery services;
- diagnosis and treatment of health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases;
- dental care;
- mental health care, including information, screening, and treatment for postpartum depression;
- postpartum care;
- ongoing health care, including routine medical checkups; and
- pediatric care, including well-baby visits and immunizations.
PA-PS 6.02
- food and nutrition services;
- smoking cessation services; and
- services for substance use conditions.
PA-PS 6.03
PA-PS 6.04
- provides information and education about the prevention and treatment of diseases, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases;
- provides information and education about pregnancy prevention, pregnancy planning, and the spacing of children; and
- links expectant parents to family planning services.
Note: When an agency also provides Pregnancy Options Counseling or Birth Options Counseling, the implementation and rating of this standard may overlap with the implementation and rating of PA-PS 5.08.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 7: Education Services
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 7.01
- personal growth and maturity;
- interpersonal relations and communication;
- future goals and aspirations, including those related to education and employment;
- managing and coping with stress, including stress related to the pregnancy;
- problem-solving and decision-making;
- time, budget, and household management; and
- effectively using available community resources.
PA-PS 7.02
- fetal growth and development;
- the importance of prenatal care;
- nutrition and proper weight gain;
- appropriate exercise;
- medication use during pregnancy;
- effects of tobacco and substance use on fetal development;
- what to expect during labor and delivery; and
- benefits of breastfeeding.
PA-PS 7.03
- caring for newborns, infants, and young children;
- environmental safety and injury prevention, including safe practices for sleeping and bathing;
- health and nutritional needs of newborns, infants, and young children;
- child growth and development, including physical, cognitive, and social development;
- parent-child interactions and bonding; and
- age-appropriate behavioral expectations and disciplinary strategies.
PA-PS 7.04
- describe the topics and practices being addressed, and explain why they are important;
- model the practices and skills being targeted;
- include opportunities for active engagement and experiential learning, such as coaching and role modeling;
- help parents to personalize the information they are taught; and
- are provided in a safe environment that does not punish mistakes.
PA-PS 7.05
- contribute by asking questions and sharing their experiences;
- listen to and learn from those who are similar to and different from themselves;
- develop positive relationships with others; and
- participate in activities of interest.
PA-PS 7.06
- are designed to respond flexibly to the changing needs of group members;
- are scheduled with participants’ time commitments in mind; and
- include opportunities for participants to meet individually with personnel, as needed.
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 8: Promoting Positive Life Course Development
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 8.01
PA-PS 8.02
- independently;
- with family members, including the extended family;
- in foster homes;
- in group homes; or
- in residential care.
PA-PS 8.03
- child care;
- transportation services;
- financial assistance;
- legal services; and
- domestic violence, sexual abuse, or sexual assault services.
PA-PS 8.04
- maintaining and strengthening their relationships with family members and the birth father, as appropriate; and
- building connections with friends, neighbors, community members, and community institutions.
PA-PS 8.05
Pregnancy Support Services (PA-PS) 9: Case Closing and Aftercare
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-PS 9.01
- is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
- begins at intake; and
- involves the worker, persons served, and others, as appropriate to the needs and wishes of the service recipient.
PA-PS 9.02
PA-PS 9.03
PA-PS 9.04
- develop an aftercare plan, sufficiently in advance of case closing, that identifies short-and long-term needs and goals and facilitates the initiation or continuation of needed supports and services; or
- conduct a formal case closing evaluation, including an assessment of unmet need, when the agency has a an interagency agreement that does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.